The Guyana Police Force (GPF) last evening read two charges of conspiracy to commit fraud against Sheffern February an employee of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). These charges however did not materialize until after a protest from members of her community and a demand from one political party for an explanation of her prolonged detention.
February had been detained along with Carolyn Duncan, Michelle Miller, Enrique Livan and Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo as part of an investigation into alleged Electoral Fraud at the March 2 polls. She was detained on Wednesday
Following her detention the police publicly described the statutory officer as an “assistant” to Mingo. No such designation exists within the Commission.
According to her neighbours from the village of Bachelor’s Adventure February is “a true, honest” person who has been an asset to the Community and a long-term employee of GECOM.
The handful of persons who braved the rain to campaign for her release described her detention without charge as an abuse of power by the police force.
The Citizenship Initiative (TCI), one of the nine political parties which contested the 2020 polls, also issued a statement calling for an explanation from the GPF and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“Media reports have raised concerns that the accused remain in police custody after 72 hours have passed without charges or a court order extending their detention and without access to legal counsel,” the party said adding that while charges of electoral fraud are serious “the rights of our citizens are paramount”
“They must be afforded equal protection and timely access to legal counsel,” they stressed.
Attorney, Eusi Anderson who represents February told this newspaper that the 72 hours for her detention expired at 10:30 am yet the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had refused to release her.
“It is a clear violation of her constitutional right. There has been no appeal for an extension yet my client remains in custody,” he noted.
Anderson also lamented the fact that Carolyn Duncan who had been granted station bail of $100,000 on Friday had been summoned to CID at 9 am on Saturday and effectively detained in the compound all day until approximately 6 pm.
Enrique Livan, whose image was widely circulated after a confrontation between him and several observers over a flash drive at the Ashmin Buildings, remains in custody. His 72 hours expires today.
Anderson has expressed concerns about the manner in which Livan is being treated.
“He was part of a confrontation without my presence. He has requested my presence and been told that I said I wasn’t coming. Which is a lie. He continues to be interviewed even after asking repeatedly for his lawyer. Another clear violation,” Anderson stressed.
He also noted that when he was finally able to see his client he was threatened with arrest for advising him not to answer questions.
“Apparently there is no attorney-client privilege in Guyana. It’s attorney, client and a hovering member of the police force who refusing to allow counsel to do their job. I was threatened with arrest for doing my job,” he stressed.
